Missouri's Cody Schrader Wins Burlsworth Trophy

Missouri running back Cody Schrader is officially the nation's most outstanding former walk-on this season.

Missouri Tigers running back Cody Schrader has been a tremendous part of the Tigers' historic 10-2 season, and the NCAA has recognized him through multiple yearly award nominations.

The SEC rushing leader has already been named the winner of one of those elite nominations, as he took home the Burlsworth Trophy on Monday night. The award honors the nation's most outstanding former walk-on, as Schrader earned it over finalists, James Madison defensive tackle James Carpenter and Oklahoma wide receiver Drake Stoops, along with 70 other previous candidates.

Schrader walked onto the Missouri Tigers football team after transferring from Truman State University in 2021. He collected 17 school records at Truman State that are still held by him today.

Schrader started throughout his first year at Missouri last season, but like the rest of the team, he has truly emerged in 2023. The graduate student rushed for 100-plus yards in 10 of his 12 games this season, including two contests with over 200 yards.

It's practically indisputable that Schrader's best game came against Tennessee, as he rushed for 205 yards and had 116 receiving yards in a 36-7 home thumping of the Volunteers.

Prior to that historic showing, no Southeastern Conference player had ever recorded a 200-yard rushing and 100-yard receiving game. The graduate student became the 10th player in Division I FBS history to accomplish that feat and is the third player to do it against an AP-ranked opponent.

Schrader is also a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, which is given to the nation's best running back. The most prestigious honor for the position will be awarded to either Schrader, Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon or North Carolina's Omarion Hampton on Dec. 8.

Missouri's Cody Schrader Named a Finalist for Doak Walker Award